WPI’s Interactive Media and Game Development program allows Darren’s passion for art and technology to thrive. He says the faculty in this program “have been very active in considering many of the goals I had coming into the program. I've wanted to learn how to code for many years and tried so many different ways on my own. Once I arrived at WPI, I was coding within a week and have learned this is something I will see myself adding to my creative workflow in the future.”

Darren’s love of art extends beyond the classroom, taking advantage of the opportunities that come with living in a new place. “I am a practicing artist and I have exhibits in Boston at the Old South Meeting House and at the MassArt x SoWa Gallery,” he says. “Moving to Worcester, I feel really focused and ready to do things I have never done before with the progression of my learning. I look forward to this new environment that is built for me to learn with far fewer distractions. It is the most balanced lifestyle I have ever had, and I feel healthy.”

Like many other students, his favorite thing about WPI is its community. “Everyone is hungry for knowledge and very focused on completing their goals. I love the level of professionalism and skillsets the students bring to every class. I look forward to growing and meeting collaborators that want to push for a better balance of ethics and social justice within the spaces of emerging technology and humanity,” Darren says.“Students can dream big and for the rest, WPI will help them figure it out. I have never been at a school that is so proactive in helping you achieve the goals you have set for yourself. Coming from an art college, WPI’s mix of theory and practice is the perfect balance.”

After graduation, Darren wants to “teach and make art,” he says. “I want to work with underrepresented communities and help them gain knowledge of the hurdles they will face in the future. I also want to continue exhibiting my artwork and use that as a vehicle to help other artists and students. I want them to see the world, grow as individuals, and imagine more opportunities—like going to another state or country, landing the job, or earning that degree. I want to give back while also leaving something behind, so I am really looking to research and one day hope to publish a meaningful contribution in my field.”